HBKU Press Continues its Award-Winning Streak at the 2020 Living Now Book Awards
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) continues its international award-winning streak as three more books are named winners in the 2020 Living Now Book Awards. The debut title in the health and wellness genre, A Beautiful Balance: A Wellness Guide to Healthy Eating and Feeling Great by Zoë Palmer-Wright, available in English and Arabic, was awarded a bronze medal in the Cookbooks – General category. Journeys on a Football Carpet by Matthias Krug was awarded a bronze medal in the Exercise/Fitness/Yoga category while The Firefly by first-time Qatari children’s author, Ameera H. Al-Naemi, won a silver medal in the Children’s Picture Book category
“This year has been monumental in terms of the international recognition HBKU Press books have received on the world stage through multiple awards,” said Bachar Chebaro, HBKU Press Executive Director. “This year alone, our books have been recognized in four international awards in 11 different categories. These recognitions highlight the quality and diversity of our books in terms of content and production, as well as their exceptional literary value.
“We are extremely proud to be able to provide our literary talents with a platform to shine and share their message around the world.”
In addition to placing in the 2020 Living Now Awards, A Beautiful Balance: A Wellness Guide to Healthy Eating and Feeling Great was named one of the finalists in the 2020 International Book Awards. The complete resource is part-cookbook and part-wellness guide for a total lifestyle overhaul. Recipes include healthier twists on traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes that are paired with tips and tools to help you live a healthier lifestyle, take control of sugar cravings, and look and feel your best.
Author Zoë Palmer-Wright said of the win: “I am absolutely over the moon that A Beautiful Balance: A Wellness Guide to Healthy Eating and Feeling Great has been honored in this way! This recognition means the world to me as it supports my mission to empower as many people as possible to live healthier, happier, and more sustainable lives.”
Journeys on a Football Carpet was also a finalist in the 2020 International Book Awards. In the book, Qatar-born journalist and author Matthias Krug set out to explore Qatar’s sporting history, weaving in his personal anecdotes to complement the country’s football evolution over the past six decades.
In The Firefly, Qatari author Ameera H. Al-Naemi tells the inspiring story of Ibraheem, a young boy who learns a valuable lesson about the power of individual and collective actions. Al-Naemi was inspired to write the book by her experience working with international humanitarian organizations to bring about change.
“The Living Now Book Awards celebrate books that enhance quality of life. Winners have shown excellence in both content and creativity with books that nurture mind, body, and spirit,” said Amy Shamroe, the Awards Director. “HBKU Press’ books have shown that excellence, competing with some of the largest publishing companies in the world.
“From a country's sport's history to a picture book showing how small changes make a big difference, HBKU Press’ titles exemplify the positive, life affirming spirit of the Awards.”
The Living Now Book Awards were launched in August 2008 by IndependentPublisher.com and Jenkins Group.
All three winning books can be found online as e-books on Amazon Kindle. Hard copies of the books, and other HBKU Press publications, can now be purchased and delivered in Qatar from the Rafeeq and Snoonu applications (available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play). For more information on how to get a copy of any of your favorite HBKU Press books, follow their Facebook page (facebook.com/hbkupress) or Twitter and Instagram (@hbkupress) for daily updates.
